P.S. 131 Brooklyn

P.S. 131's proficiency rates land below the District 15 averages in both subjects — 57% in ELA versus a district average of about 65%, and 59.8% in math versus about 63%. But the trajectory tells the more meaningful story: ELA proficiency climbed from 42.6% in 2016 to 57% in 2025, a jump of nearly 15 points, even with a dip in 2024. The school's overall quality score of 2.34 out of 4 also sits below the district average of 2.58. By grade, fifth graders are pulling well above the school average (67.1% ELA, 69.8% math), while third graders trail (48.2% ELA), suggesting students build momentum as they move through the school.

Parents and teachers report very strong relationships at P.S. 131 — strong-family-relationships scores hit 100%, parent-teacher trust reached 97%, and parent-principal trust came in at 96%. Families returned surveys at a 70% rate, exceptionally high for a school of this size. Teachers are noticeably less bullish: only 60% report trusting their principal and 85% rate instruction quality, both below district norms. Teacher-reported safety sits at 87%, well below the district average of about 97% — worth asking about on a tour. Discipline is a clear bright spot: zero suspensions over the past three years. Chronic absenteeism, however, is an outlier concern at 80.5%, meaning roughly four out of five students miss 10% or more of the school year — by far the most pressing day-to-day reality here.

P.S. 131's enrollment of 652 students looks much like its neighborhood: 54% Hispanic and 37% Asian, with smaller shares of Black (2%), White (6%), and Native American (1%) students. The economic need index of 87.1% — meaning 87% of students are considered economically disadvantaged — reflects the reality of a community where many families are working-class, often first-generation immigrants renting in a neighborhood with elevated home values. Twenty percent of students have IEPs, a meaningful share that points to a real inclusion commitment. The diversity index of 55% suggests moderate racial diversity rather than a fully integrated mix.

Borough Park is one of Brooklyn's most family-dense neighborhoods — 45.8% of households include children, well above the city norm. The area is also strikingly mixed in economic terms: median household income sits around $52,500 with a 32.8% poverty rate, but median home values exceed $1.16 million, reflecting a renter-heavy community with deep immigrant roots. Only 29% of households own their homes. Just 20.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree, which lines up with the large share of working-class families sending kids here.

The school is very well connected by subway — Fort Hamilton Parkway on the D line is about a 2-minute walk, and 50 St (D) and 9 Av (D) are both within an 8-minute walk. Driving is not necessary for most families in the zoned area.